The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 158: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

140 THE COURT OF LONDON you have been afflicted,— your garb proclaims that you are aware of the sad occurrence, — and whatever words may flow from my lips should rather be to console than to wound your heart. Again I say, therefore, let us draw a veil over everything that has gone by, so far indeed as it is possible. And now tell me, are you really going to take my dear Mary away from me immediately? ”’ ‘““ My dear Louisa, for so you must permit me to call you,” said Mrs. Owen, “‘ your own good sense and kind feeling will enable you to understand that there is a duty which Mary and I have to perform. In two or three days we must leave England,’ added Mrs. Owen, solemnly, “‘ and repair to Geneva.” “Yes, I understand full well that you must proceed thither,” observed Louisa. ‘‘ When do you think of setting off? ”’ ‘“‘In two or three days,’”’ repeated Mrs. Owen. ‘I will not be so unjust as to separate Mary from you altogether in a moment, for she loves you as dearly and as fondly as if you were her sister.’’ | ‘“‘ And I love her equally in return,” said Louisa, and the two amiable girls threw their arms around each other’s waist and thus sat by Mrs. Owen’s side upon the bench. “ Will you not, my dear madam,” continued our sweet heroine of the cottage, “‘ remain here with me for the rest of this day?” “Yes, Louisa, I’ cannot refuse your kind invitation,” answered Mrs. Owen, “but I must take Mary away with me this evening, for, as you may suppose, we have many, many things to converse upon. To-morrow we shall come back again to visit you.’ “Then you must remain hate until the last moment to- night,’’ said Louisa, in the warmth of generous hospitality toward Mrs. Owen and of affectionate friendship for Mary. “‘T shall not part with you till ten o’clock, and then the serv- ant shall accompany you as far as your hotel and take such necessaries as Mary may want for her immediate use. Is this an arrangement? ”’ “It is,” answered Mrs. Owen. “ As frankly and cordially as the kind invitation is given, do I accept it.” “And now,” said Louisa, “ let Mary and me introduce you into the cottage. It is humble enough, but the welcome 99 CORnniclooo S (CO nm